Any way to avoid data plan?

Answer: No

Sadly, I'm trying to do this for the past few years for my parents. They don't need data but they would like a big phone that has a 4" screen and takes good pictures.
 
The iPod touch or Galaxy Players are the way to go for what you're asking... but I don't recommend doing what you're intending to do. Just becaus eyou can doesn't mean that you should.